When he left, Ichiro didn’t put a curse on Seattle – he lifted one

A clever ESPN writer, Steve Etheridge, just noticed that it hasn’t rained for a while in Seattle. And he noticed that it hasn’t rained here since July 22 — the last day Ichiro Suzuki was a member of the Mariners.

Keep the pinstripes; we'll take the sun. (Getty Images)

Of course, that leads to just one conclusion. “Did Ichiro curse Seattle with a drought?” the headline on his article asks.

He’s cursed them! He’s been angered by the Mariners’ organization for stringing him along for the last decade without a single playoff appearance, squandering his eye-popping batting averages, his countless gorgeous slap base hits, his breathtaking efficiency on the base paths.

And now he’s taking his revenge, parching the mortal husks of the Emerald City’s fair-trade-coffee-guzzling inhabitants, depleting their skies of gloominess so that their bearded lo-fi bands can no longer mope out the fuzzy anthems America’s skinny-wristed philosophy majors depend on.

Repent, Seattle! Ichiro is not pleased!

There’s only one problem with this hypothesis: A 45-day streak of no rain (as of Wednesday) isn’t a curse on Seattle. It’s a blessing!

In fact, if one does a deeper analysis of life in Seattle since Ichiro was traded to the Yankees, one can arrive at the conclusion that Ichiro didn’t put a curse on our fair city when he left — he lifted one.

Since Ichiro left, the Mariners have become one of the better teams in baseball. Their record, from July 22 through Tuesday, was 24-15. They’ve gone on a seven-game winning streak and an eight-game winning streak, and at least for a while appeared to be within striking distance of the A.L. Wild Card.

Since Ichiro left, M’s ace Felix Hernandez has thrown a perfect game — just the 23rd ever in Major League Baseball history. In the aftermath, King Felix reiterated that he loves Seattle and wants to stay here. And he has become a favorite, yet again, to win the A.L. Cy Young Award.

Since Ichiro left, Franklin Gutierrez has returned to the Mariners in force, now leading the team in hitting with a .278 batting average. And, miraculously, the center fielder hasn’t gotten injured again.

Since Ichiro left, the Seahawks have played four preseason games and won them all. Fans have gotten excited about their new quarterback, rookie Russell Wilson, who surprised the nation by beating out veterans for the starting QB job.

In his first season in Seattle, Ichiro led the Mariners to a historic 116 wins, and now this season, his final one with the team after being traded to the Yankees in July, Ichiro seems bent on making Seattle history in a more vindictive way: through a relentless, punishing drought on its people.

Yes, a “relentless, punishing drought.”

Prepare him offerings of Ichirolls and pine tar. Give him Jay Buhner as a slave. Adorn his bobblehead with precious gems and fragrant oils.

Only then will there be mercy. Only then will there be rain.

Ha. I’ll take the sun, thank you very much.

Ichiro Suzuki through the years

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki takes aim with his bat on May 31, 2001, in Seattle.

Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki takes aim with his bat on May 31, 2001, in Seattle.

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Ichiro Suzuki connects for a hit off Randy Johnson in his first at bat during the All Star Game on July 10, 2001 at Safeco Field.

Ichiro Suzuki connects for a hit off Randy Johnson in his first at bat during the All Star Game on July 10, 2001 at Safeco Field.

Photo: Mike Urban / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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A television reporter asks Mariners manager Lou Piniella what he thinks of an Ichiro bobblehead the day on July 27, 2001.

A television reporter asks Mariners manager Lou Piniella what he thinks of an Ichiro bobblehead the day on July 27, 2001.

Photo: Dan DeLong / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki smiles during a news conference Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001, in Seattle, following the announcement that Suzuki was selected as the American League Most Valuable Player. Suzuki became only the second rookie to win the award, narrowly beating Jason Giambi for the honor. Suzuki came to the major leagues after nine seasons in Japan's Pacific League. less

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki smiles during a news conference Tuesday, Nov. 20, 2001, in Seattle, following the announcement that Suzuki was selected as the American League Most Valuable Player. Suzuki became ... more

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Etsuko Taujimura and Takemi Thujimura from Sapporo si Hokkaido, Japan cheer for Ichiro on April 1, 2002, in Seattle.

Etsuko Taujimura and Takemi Thujimura from Sapporo si Hokkaido, Japan cheer for Ichiro on April 1, 2002, in Seattle.

Photo: SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER

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The May 27, 2002 edition of ESPN The Magazine, featuring Ichiro. The magazine reported that it took 3.7 seconds for Ichiro to get from home plate to first base.

The May 27, 2002 edition of ESPN The Magazine, featuring Ichiro. The magazine reported that it took 3.7 seconds for Ichiro to get from home plate to first base.

Photo: Business Wire photo / BW

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki heads to the the batter's box against the Minnesota Twins in Seattle, Saturday, July 6, 2002.

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki heads to the the batter's box against the Minnesota Twins in Seattle, Saturday, July 6, 2002.

Photo: John Froschauer / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariners leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki signs his autographs on baseball goods hung by fans from the spectators' stand prior to Game Six of the Japan-U.S. All Stars baseball series at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002. less

Seattle Mariners leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki signs his autographs on baseball goods hung by fans from the spectators' stand prior to Game Six of the Japan-U.S. All Stars baseball series at Tokyo Dome in ... more

Photo: Koji Sasahara / Associated Press

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Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners prepares to bat against Hirotoshi Ishii of the Yakult Swallows in the top of the 5th inning of Game Six in the Japan-U.S. All-Stars baseball series at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo Saturday, Nov. 16, 2002. Ichiro hit an RBI single. less

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners prepares to bat against Hirotoshi Ishii of the Yakult Swallows in the top of the 5th inning of Game Six in the Japan-U.S. All-Stars baseball series at Tokyo Dome in Tokyo ... more

Photo: Koji Sasahara / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki rubs a baseball before tossing around on the first day of full squad workouts at spring training Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, in Peoria, Ariz.

Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki rubs a baseball before tossing around on the first day of full squad workouts at spring training Monday, Feb. 17, 2003, in Peoria, Ariz.

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki stretches before an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants Sunday, March 30, 2003, in San Francisco.

Seattle Mariners outfielder Ichiro Suzuki stretches before an exhibition game against the San Francisco Giants Sunday, March 30, 2003, in San Francisco.

Photo: Dino Vournas / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariners Ichiro Suzuki, right, and Shigetoshi Hasegawa joke around as New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui looks on during the American League warmups on Monday, July 14, 2003, at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago. less

Seattle Mariners Ichiro Suzuki, right, and Shigetoshi Hasegawa joke around as New York Yankees' Hideki Matsui looks on during the American League warmups on Monday, July 14, 2003, at U.S. Cellular Field in ... more

Photo: Mark Duncan / Associated Press

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Ichiro Suzuiki makes a play in the seventh inning of play at Safeco Field on Sept. 12, 2003.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Photo by

Ichiro Suzuiki makes a play in the seventh inning of play at Safeco Field on Sept. 12, 2003.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer Photo by

Photo: Mike Urban / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki tips his hat to the fans after hitting a ball into center field, breaking George Sisler's 1920 single season record of 257 hits in the third inning at Safeco Field on Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 in Seattle. less

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki tips his hat to the fans after hitting a ball into center field, breaking George Sisler's 1920 single season record of 257 hits in the third inning at Safeco Field on Friday, ... more

Photo: Jim Bryant / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki tips his cap to fans during a ceremony before the game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, in Seattle. Suzuki was honored for breaking George Sisler's single season hit record Friday night. less

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki tips his cap to fans during a ceremony before the game against the Texas Rangers, Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004, in Seattle. Suzuki was honored for breaking George Sisler's single season ... more

Photo: Elaine Thompson / Associated Press

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Ichiro Suzuki answers questions from the media after the first full-squad workout for the 2005 Seattle Mariners at spring training in Peoria, Arizona on Tuesday, February 22, 2005.

Ichiro Suzuki answers questions from the media after the first full-squad workout for the 2005 Seattle Mariners at spring training in Peoria, Arizona on Tuesday, February 22, 2005.

Photo: Dan DeLong / SEATTLE P-I

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Ichiro Suzuki takes the field before Seattle's home opener against Minnesota at Safeco Field on Monday, April 4, 2005.

Ichiro Suzuki takes the field before Seattle's home opener against Minnesota at Safeco Field on Monday, April 4, 2005.

Photo: Dan DeLong / SEATTLE P-I

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Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki waves to fans as he takes the field Wednesday, May 4, 2005 during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki waves to fans as he takes the field Wednesday, May 4, 2005 during a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki stretches before hitting his 1,000th career hit, a single off of Philadelphia Phillies starter Jon Lieber in the first inning on June 14, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki stretches before hitting his 1,000th career hit, a single off of Philadelphia Phillies starter Jon Lieber in the first inning on June 14, 2005 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Ichiro Suzuki connects for a grand slam off a pitch from Texas Rangers' Justin Thonpson in the ninth inning on Aug. 25, 2005, in Arlington, Texas. The Mariners won 8-2.

Ichiro Suzuki connects for a grand slam off a pitch from Texas Rangers' Justin Thonpson in the ninth inning on Aug. 25, 2005, in Arlington, Texas. The Mariners won 8-2.

Photo: Linda Kaye / Associated Press

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki was the last man to leave the dugout after the Mariners loss to the Oakland Athletics in their final game of the 2005 season at Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash., on Oct. 2, 2005.

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki was the last man to leave the dugout after the Mariners loss to the Oakland Athletics in their final game of the 2005 season at Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash., on Oct. 2, 2005.

Photo: Mike Urban / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Japan's Ichiro Suzuki, right, and manager Sadaharu Oh celebrate after defeating Cuba in the World Baseball Classic championship game, Monday, March 20, 2006, in San Diego. Japan won 10-6.

Japan's Ichiro Suzuki, right, and manager Sadaharu Oh celebrate after defeating Cuba in the World Baseball Classic championship game, Monday, March 20, 2006, in San Diego. Japan won 10-6.

Photo: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press

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Fans push themselves and baseballs up against the fence trying to get an autograph from Ichrio on the day he arrived at the Mariners' spring training facility on Thursday March 23, 2006 after playing for the Japanese team that won the World Baseball Classic. less

Fans push themselves and baseballs up against the fence trying to get an autograph from Ichrio on the day he arrived at the Mariners' spring training facility on Thursday March 23, 2006 after playing for the ... more

Photo: Scott Eklund / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Mariners' right fielder and leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the start of the game as the Seattle Mariners lost to the Los Angeles Angels 5-4 on opening day of the 2006 season at Safeco Field in Seattle on Monday April 3, 2006. less

Mariners' right fielder and leadoff hitter Ichiro Suzuki runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the start of the game as the Seattle Mariners lost to the Los Angeles Angels 5-4 on opening day ... more

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki makes a leaping catch on a line drive from San Francisco Giants' Randy Winn in the second inning of an exhibition baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, March 29, 2007. less

Seattle Mariners right fielder Ichiro Suzuki makes a leaping catch on a line drive from San Francisco Giants' Randy Winn in the second inning of an exhibition baseball game in San Francisco, Thursday, March ... more

Photo: Marcio Jose Sanchez / AP

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Mariners center fielder Ichiro Suzuki leaves the field after receiving his sixth Gold Glove Award during opening day ceremonies at Safeco Field on Monday, April 2, 2007. Photo by Dan DeLong

Mariners center fielder Ichiro Suzuki leaves the field after receiving his sixth Gold Glove Award during opening day ceremonies at Safeco Field on Monday, April 2, 2007. Photo by Dan DeLong

Photo: Dan DeLong / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Jon Bjorklund, left, and Craig Brookbrush with Rainier Industries affix a new image of Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki to a door and windows on Friday March 19, 2010 outside Safeco Field.

Jon Bjorklund, left, and Craig Brookbrush with Rainier Industries affix a new image of Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki to a door and windows on Friday March 19, 2010 outside Safeco Field.

Mariners Ichiro Suzuki steals second base as New York Yankees Derek Jeter looks to second base umpire Randy Marsh for the call during fourth inning action at Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash., Friday May 11, 2007.

Mariners Ichiro Suzuki steals second base as New York Yankees Derek Jeter looks to second base umpire Randy Marsh for the call during fourth inning action at Safeco Field in Seattle, Wash., Friday May 11, 2007.

Photo: Mike Urban / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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Seattle Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez (left) and Ichiro Suzuki chat during a pitching change in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field in Seattle on Sunday, May 13, 2007. The Mariners defeated the Yankees 2-1. less

Seattle Mariners outfielder Raul Ibanez (left) and Ichiro Suzuki chat during a pitching change in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees at Safeco Field in Seattle on Sunday, May 13, 2007. The ... more

Photo: Dan DeLong / Seattle Post-Intelligencer

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American League's Ichiro Suzuki, of the Seattle Mariners, laughs as he poses with the MVP trophy following the All-Star baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 10, 2007. The American League defeated the National League 5-4. less

American League's Ichiro Suzuki, of the Seattle Mariners, laughs as he poses with the MVP trophy following the All-Star baseball game in San Francisco, Tuesday, July 10, 2007. The American League defeated the ... more

Ichiro Suzuki runs out to the field during the Seattle Mariners 2010 Opening Day, Monday, April 12, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Ichiro Suzuki runs out to the field during the Seattle Mariners 2010 Opening Day, Monday, April 12, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Cliff DesPeaux / seattlepi.com

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Ichiro Suzuki is swarmed by photographers as he comes out of the Mariners' dugout to accept an award during the Seattle Mariners 2010 Opening Day, Monday, April 12, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Ichiro Suzuki is swarmed by photographers as he comes out of the Mariners' dugout to accept an award during the Seattle Mariners 2010 Opening Day, Monday, April 12, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Cliff DesPeaux / seattlepi.com

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Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki runs onto the field on opening day of the 2010 Mariner baseball season on Monday April 12, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Seattle Mariner Ichiro Suzuki runs onto the field on opening day of the 2010 Mariner baseball season on Monday April 12, 2010 at Safeco Field in Seattle.

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki hands off the mic to interpreter Antony Suzuki during a visit by members of the team to Lakeridge Elementary School in Seattle on Wednesday May 5, 2010. The Mariners teammates visited the school to encourage the students to be drug-free and to respect their parents and teachers. less

Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki hands off the mic to interpreter Antony Suzuki during a visit by members of the team to Lakeridge Elementary School in Seattle on Wednesday May 5, 2010. The Mariners ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki enjoys a laugh with teammate Ken Griffey, Jr. during a visit by members of the team to Lakeridge Elementary School in Seattle on Wednesday May 5, 2010. The Mariners teammates visited the school to encourage the students to be drug-free and to respect their parents and teachers. less

Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki enjoys a laugh with teammate Ken Griffey, Jr. during a visit by members of the team to Lakeridge Elementary School in Seattle on Wednesday May 5, 2010. The Mariners ... more

Photo: Joshua Trujillo / seattlepi.com

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Gold Glove Awards presented to Mariners outfielders Franklin Guitierrez and Ichiro Suzuki sit on a table during Opening Day ceremonies at Safeco Field in Seattle Friday April 8, 2011. va

Gold Glove Awards presented to Mariners outfielders Franklin Guitierrez and Ichiro Suzuki sit on a table during Opening Day ceremonies at Safeco Field in Seattle Friday April 8, 2011. va

Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki gets a lead off hit during the Opening Day game at Safeco Field in Seattle Friday April 8, 2011.

Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki gets a lead off hit during the Opening Day game at Safeco Field in Seattle Friday April 8, 2011.

Photo: Stephen Brashear / seattlepi.com

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Seattle Mariners player Michael Saunders speaks to students as teammate Ichiro Suzuki jokes in the background during the annual D.R.E.A.M Team Assembly on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at TOPS at Seward School in Seattle. The annual event is is part of a program that brings players into schools to talk about the D.R.E.A.M. principles. The principles are "Drug-free, Respect for yourself and others, Education through reading, Attitude, and Motivation to achieve your dreams." less

Seattle Mariners player Michael Saunders speaks to students as teammate Ichiro Suzuki jokes in the background during the annual D.R.E.A.M Team Assembly on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at TOPS at Seward School in ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / seattlepi.com

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Ichiro Suzuki robs Athletics Scott Hatteberg at the right field wall in the fourth inning of play at Safeco Field on July 23, 2003.

Ichiro Suzuki robs Athletics Scott Hatteberg at the right field wall in the fourth inning of play at Safeco Field on July 23, 2003.

Photo: Mike Urban / SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER

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Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki sits with students during the annual D.R.E.A.M Team Assembly on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at TOPS at Seward School in Seattle. The annual event is is part of a program that brings players into schools to talk about the D.R.E.A.M. principles. The principles are "Drug-free, Respect for yourself and others, Education through reading, Attitude, and Motivation to achieve your dreams." less

Seattle Mariners player Ichiro Suzuki sits with students during the annual D.R.E.A.M Team Assembly on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at TOPS at Seward School in Seattle. The annual event is is part of a program that ... more

Photo: JOSHUA TRUJILLO / seattlepi.com

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Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners throws to the infield against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on June 3, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois.

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners throws to the infield against the Chicago White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field on June 3, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois.

Photo: Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images

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Right fielder Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners runs out of the dugout to take his position during an inning change against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 6, 2012 in Anaheim, California. less

Right fielder Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners runs out of the dugout to take his position during an inning change against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at Angel Stadium of Anaheim on June 6, 2012 in ... more

Photo: Stephen Dunn / Getty Images

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Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners gets ready before stepping into the batters box against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners gets ready before stepping into the batters box against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on June 19, 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona.

Photo: Norm Hall / Getty Images

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Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners hits a single during the third inning of an interleague baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 22, 2012 in San Diego, California.

Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners hits a single during the third inning of an interleague baseball game against the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on June 22, 2012 in San Diego, California.

Photo: Denis Poroy / Getty Images

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Right fielder Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners tries his hand at shortstop during batting practice prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field on June 29, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. Suzuki spent about ten minutes fielding the position. less

Right fielder Ichiro Suzuki of the Seattle Mariners tries his hand at shortstop during batting practice prior to the game against the Boston Red Sox at Safeco Field on June 29, 2012 in Seattle, ... more

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 22: Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners runs to first base after a bunt in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays July 22, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) less

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 22: Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners runs to first base after a bunt in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays July 22, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. ... more

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 20: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners takes batting practice before play against the Tampa Bay Rays July 20, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) less

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JULY 20: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners takes batting practice before play against the Tampa Bay Rays July 20, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al ... more

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates a 2 - 1 win with manager Eric Wedge against the Tampa Bay Rays July 22, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) less

Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners celebrates a 2 - 1 win with manager Eric Wedge against the Tampa Bay Rays July 22, 2012 at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Al ... more

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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OAKLAND, CA - JULY 08: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners bats against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on July 8, 2012 in Oakland, California. Both teams are wearing throwback uniforms. The Athletics are wearing a uniform worn by the Oakland Oaks and the Mariners are wearing a uniform worn by the Seattle Rainiers. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) less

OAKLAND, CA - JULY 08: Ichiro Suzuki #51 of the Seattle Mariners bats against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum on July 8, 2012 in Oakland, California. Both teams are wearing throwback uniforms. The ... more

Photo: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

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Ichiro Suzuki scores in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 22, 2012, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. It would end up being his last game as a Seattle Mariner.

Ichiro Suzuki scores in the first inning against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 22, 2012, at Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Fla. It would end up being his last game as a Seattle Mariner.

Photo: Al Messerschmidt / Getty Images

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Ichiro Suzuki, right, listens to a reporter's question during a news conference on his trade to the Yankees on July 23, 2012, at Safeco Field. Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln, left, said Ichiro asked to be traded away. less

Ichiro Suzuki, right, listens to a reporter's question during a news conference on his trade to the Yankees on July 23, 2012, at Safeco Field. Mariners CEO Howard Lincoln, left, said Ichiro asked to be traded ... more

Photo: Lindsey Wasson / seattlepi.com

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Ichiro Suzuki tries to hold back tears as he speaks to the media during a news conference about his trade to the New York Yankees on July 23, 2012, at Safeco Field.

Ichiro Suzuki tries to hold back tears as he speaks to the media during a news conference about his trade to the New York Yankees on July 23, 2012, at Safeco Field.

Photo: Lindsey Wasson / seattlepi.com

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Ichiro Suzuki of the New York Yankees prepares to take the field for batting practice after being traded to from the Seattle Mariners, at Safeco Field on July 23, 2012.

Ichiro Suzuki of the New York Yankees prepares to take the field for batting practice after being traded to from the Seattle Mariners, at Safeco Field on July 23, 2012.

Photo: Otto Greule Jr / Getty Images

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Ichiro warms up in the on-deck circle before his first at-bat as a New York Yankee on July 23, 2012, at Safeco Field.

Ichiro warms up in the on-deck circle before his first at-bat as a New York Yankee on July 23, 2012, at Safeco Field.

Photo: Lindsey Wasson / seattlepi.com

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Ichiro Suzuki follows through on a single for his 4,000th career hit in Japan and the major leagues on Aug. 21, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Ichiro Suzuki follows through on a single for his 4,000th career hit in Japan and the major leagues on Aug. 21, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Photo: Kathy Willens / Associated Press

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Ichiro Suzuki tips his helmet after connecting for his 4,000th career hit in Japan and the major leagues Aug. 21, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York.

Ichiro Suzuki tips his helmet after connecting for his 4,000th career hit in Japan and the major leagues Aug. 21, 2013, at Yankee Stadium in New York.